Chic Lady

Gone too soon

2010-05-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

So I'm in studying mode with exams halfway through. I was busy studying for my social theory exam when I got the news. Tuesday morning (25/05/2010) it was the saddest news, a dear friend passed away. We met 5yrs ago when we attended the same school. I dreaded that school but Janita was one of my closest friend there. The sweetest girl you'll ever met, that was Janita. Such a blessed soul, full of life and wonderful friend. There was nothing about her that I didn't like. I hadn't seen her in 4yrs and finally this year we were planning to meet up because we were living only 1hr away from each other. Getting such news is never easy but it really shook me. I began crying uncontrollably. Kept thinking of how young she was only 19, she had a whole life ahead of her. But it was cut short, terribly short. My heart ached and still does when I think of her family. Her sisters, her mother...I can only imagine what they must be going through. I believe God has a purpose for each one of us but when things like this happen I really can't understand why? Why did God put such a beautiful soul on this planet to live for a short period. Why take her life so abruptly? I don't want to judge God's plan so I ask that He comforts us all during such difficult times. She died from cerebral malaria and hepatitis B...just awful. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones.

You can shed tears that she is gone,

or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back,

or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,

or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone,

or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,

be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what she'd want:

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

You're finally free...so fly beautiful butterfly...
May you Rest in Peace, Neets

Confusion

2010-04-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

Why am I so confused??? If I can't answer that how do I expect anyone one to...Little things that have been eating me inside... all these questions that go through my mind and I can't figure out the answer. It's so aggravating. I think I'm just so homesick that I'm not even making sense any more.

So as I said on my previous post I'm now living in South Africa but I've started thinking about moving...AGAIN!!! I just want to find a place where I can feel at home and it's not like I have the money to be doing all this travelling.

I was thinking of going to Australia next year but next year sounds so far away and I'm tired of this life. This semester has been real tough on me...I've been stressing for no reason, I hardly leave my room so I feel like I'm in a prison. South Africa is not what I expected at all...I was so used to coming here on holidays and driving about, going shopping every day, having a good time basically and now I'm on campus 24/7...I hardly go out most of the time because I don't want to but then I'm lonely and all I wanna do is cry... I need to be spoiled my mum and dad for a little bit:( I feel like just throwing everything away and going home. So now I'm thinking of other alternatives. I've actually been thinking about open university...I could use some time away somewhere quiet and just study without pressure. Lord please give me answers. Why do I feel so lost????

Made it to SA

2010-04-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

So ok…I made it to SA! (South Africa)

Not as great as it sounds…yes it’s very exciting being in SA, I love adventures but so far it’s just been stress.

So I came to Monash SA on Monday, 15th February, I got here at around 2pm and went straight to take up my residence. Thing is they couldn’t find me in the system so they signed me up to go to another accommodation that is off campus. That pissed me off cos I had no idea what was going on. Then to make it worst something happened to the off campus residence and no body could move in…so they had to get hotel rooms for all the students going to Ironwood (off-campus). Stress, stress and stress…Lucky for me and some other peeps we were put at a guesthouse with swimming pool, Jacuzzi…everything we ever wanted :D

But it was stressful. So I went to complain because I never wanted to live off campus…they put me there without even asking. So then they found a place for me, they put me at a studio because they said there was no other accommodation available. It’s lovely but I cannot afford a Studio! If I did I would’ve applied in the first place…what do these people think, that we have money falling from the sky. This week has really taken it’s toll…I’ve had enough. It’s too much going on. Then I went once again to complain and told them that if they didn’t find the right accommodation for me I would cancel my registration and go back home. In less than an hour they put me in the right accommodation (so much for saying there weren’t any available rooms). So then ok things started to work…so I thought…

My housemates aren’t so bad but they have absolutely no idea how to live with other people. They are loud, sometimes uncivilized. They can’t respect that at 1am some people might be sleeping and would not like to be woken by a girlfriend/boyfriend fight or stinking loud music!

So it’s all been downhill from there. I have no conversations with my housemates cos I think it’s better if we just keep our distance.

Classes are tough but I really enjoy it…the only thing I actually enjoy here are the classes. Student services is crap, internet…don’t let me get started on internet. I think that it has worked PROPERLY for about 2 weeks since I got here. We’re in April…do the maths!!! We complained and they blamed it on you tube saying there were too many people using you tube and that was slowing the system. So the blocked you tube and guess what…internet is still CRAP!

The other day there was no running water…HELLO!?! I paid to have water! Right now there is no electricity, I’m using my laptop that’s probably going to die on me pretty soon then I’ll be bored for the rest of the night!

Thank goodness the semester is almost over…But then there’s next semester L What am I to do??? Well I’m making a plan…I have to study up to 3 semesters abroad because of my major (International Relations), so I’m going to Australia (where the main campus is) and after my exchange program is over I’ll transfer over there for my last semester or I’ll go to Malaysia (which is cheaper and I’ve been told it’s way better than South Africa). But I still have to figure everything out, the pros and cons blah, blah, blah…but completely disappointed with SA and most importantly very very very disappointed and upset with Monash SA…

I forgot that when you go somewhere on holidays is not the same as when you go to live there…learned my lesson the hard way! Anyways…I’ll stop complaining now :P

2009 Movies

2010-02-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

In 2009 I watched quite a few movies and though I watched some pretty bad ones, there were also some that left a mark. I was going through my diary and found out the list of movies I watched last year. Don't get me wrong, I just saying which movies I enjoyed and which I didn't. I don't mean to be critical.

So the first movie I watched in 2009 at the cinema was 'Pink Panther 2'. Fun movie for a good laugh.

Right after Valentine's Day I went to watch 'He's Just Not That Into You'. It was an ok movie. Lots of great actors in one movie doesn't always end well.

Then I watched 'Taken'. Very good film, I recommend this one. I like movies like this it kept me glued to the screen at all times. Interesting plot and very real (it could happen to anyone).

'I Love You Man' was so funny. I love Paul Rudd so anything he's in I'll watch. Really fun movie about a bromance. I mean not every guy can pull this one off.

I absolutely hated 'Duplicity', but I guess I was the only one because most of my friends enjoyed it. I was so disappointed and bored with this one. I love Julia Roberts so I was expecting something outstanding.

I have a confession to make I watched 'Hannah Montana: the Movie' but it was for a good cause. I was babysitting that day so I took the girls to watch it. I don't know what they see in her but little girls love Hannah Montana. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but I just cannot stand Miley Cyrus's voice (no offense).

'17 Again' was quite funny. Matthew Perry and Zac Efron = Perfect!

'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' was cheesy. I watched it because I got a free ticket but I didn't really want to see this one. It's not terrible but it's so predictable and not that funny.

'Management' I think was one of the worst movies I've ever watched. Boring from beginning to end. I thought it'd be good with Jennifer Aniston and all but boy was I wrong. I was literally falling asleep.

'Easy Virtue' I thought was quite boring also. I don't remember why I chose to watch this one but it was so incredibly boring. I'm not a big fan of Jessica Biel and this film didn't really do it for her, in my opinion.

'Up' was the only animation I watched in 2009 and it was well worth it. So cute. I feel so sorry for Carl in the beginning when his wife dies, I just want to cuddle him. And Russell is so cute and funny. I quite liked it!

'My Life in Ruins' was ok. 2009 was not the year for Nia Vardalos. Very predictable movie, not funny. I just enjoyed the scenery being in Greece and all.

'The Hangover' was one of the best movies of 2009. I laughed from beginning to end. Bradley Cooper stunning as ever was funny. Everyone was funny! That was a bachelor party to remember.

'The Taking of Pelham 123' was intense. Denzel Washington and John Travolta, very good combo. Great movie. Certainly deserved 5 stars. The whole chaos in the movie gets your attention until the very end. I thought the ending scene could've been better but it didn't get in the way of the amazingness of the movie.

'The Proposal' was very very very funny... I love Sandra Bullock, she's one of my fave actresses. And this movie once again proves why. Ryan Reynolds is hysterical and charming. Had a good laugh with this one.

'Whatever Works', well I have on thing to say "DON'T WATCH!" It's absolute crap. It was directed by Woody Allen, I should have known it was crap because every movie I've watched by Woody Allen has been crap.

'Year One', well to be honest with you I fell asleep throughout most of the film because I was on a 15hr flight. It didn't keep me awake unfortunately. The parts I was able to see I didn't really find funny.

'My Sister's Keeper' very emotional. I cried during it and after... I think it's the first movie I watch with Cameron Diaz where she plays a more serious role. Very emotional. I read the book and cried when I read the book, so I knew I'd cry.

'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs' was alright. I don't really like sequels and I think they're running out of things to write for Ice Age. So they should just give it a rest and move on to something else. There are some funny bits don't get me wrong but I think we've had enough of the Ice Age.

'I Hate Valentine's Day', well I wasn't very fond of this one. Like I said 2009 was not Nia Vardalos year. Quite boring to be honest. Let's move on...

'I Love You Beth Cooper' was blah aswell. I think Hayden Panettiere is very pretty and a good actress but I'm sick of her roles as cheerleader. She has to move on and do something else. Let's just leave it at that!

'500 Days of Summer' was good. Was very cute, a bit too slow for my liking but it's a cute story.

'Homecoming' was blah! Not a big fan of Mischa Barton and movies like this just get me mad. It wasn't a very good thriller/drama. If you're bored I recommend this movie.

'Orphan' was tragic. I wasn't even going to watch but my sister told me so much about it I ended up watching. Very intense. The whole time I thought it was something and in the end it's something completely different (would never have thought of it). It's a tragic end but thrilling movie. I was nervous, anxious through the entire film. WATCH IT! if you enjoy this kind of thriller.

'The Ugly Truth' made my day! I remember I was quite sad the day I watched this but it was worth it because I laughed. There's some hilarious scene. The tree and the baseball game scene are my favourites. Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler...made me laugh very very very much!

'All About Steve' I was dying to see this movie all year and when I saw it...disappointed! It was ok but by the previews I thought it'd be really funny.

'Couples Retreat' was somewhat entertaining. Not the best movie but Bora Bora makes up for all the acting. There's some funny bits but nothing hilarious.

'The Blind Side' was one of my favourite movies of 2009. Such an inspiring, feel good movie. I enjoy watching movies based on true stories and this one was no different. Very well done. Sandra Bullock was incredible and I'm hoping she wins the Oscars.

'Did You Hear About The Morgans', very predictable but I liked it. I'll watch anything Hugh Grant is in. Sarah Jessica Parker is good only in Sex and the City, in my opinion. There were some laughable bits but the movie itself was blah!

'Avatar', need I say more! I'm going to confess I wasn't expecting much from this movie. I thought James Cameron... I didn't really like Titanic so I was like whatever. Well it proved me wrong. Fantastic, outstanding, incredible...what else can I say. I was dying to use the restroom but I didn't leave not for one minute because I didn't want to miss a thing. I was disappointed that I didn't get to see in 3-D because it was sold out. That's my only disappointment. The best movie of 2009...like they say leave the best for last!!!

Don't overstay your welcome

2010-02-04T05:20:00.000-08:00

So there's this old lady staying at our house and she just won't leave. She asked my parents if she could stay 3 days because she was moving to another city but it's been 2 months and she's still here.
I really don't want to be mean but she is so annoying and has a comment for everything. She likes to know everything about our lives but she won't let us know anything about hers. She takes all these pills that were not prescribed by a doctor.
I don't feel comfortable in my own house, it's frustrating. We can't kick her out because she's trying to sell her car cos she has no money to go anywhere or buy anything...
I'm keeping quiet because I don't want to do or say anything I'll regret...that's why I'm writing it here!

So a tip for everyone: don't overstay your welcome!

Mothers as matchmakers

2010-02-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

Can you stand when your mother plays the matchmaker??? I can't!

I love my mum dearly but for me it's super weird when she tries to find me a date. It's seems like I cannot find a date for myself so she's out there looking for me.
Random I know but tonight my parents and I went to have dinner at a friend's house and all she and my mother talked about was this boy I went to school with when I was like 6 (or something). And they were discussing how handsome he is and how lovely it would be if we got together... Now it's all they talk about. I don't even remember this boy and it's embarrassing.

Is it just me or is this whole mum as matchmaker freaky???

Rock it!

2010-02-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

So I'm a big fan of Victoria Beckham...have been since the Spice Girl days. I think she's super funny, classy and I absolutely love her dress collection. Unfortunately she gets a lot of negative press for everything she does. I agree she's not a great singer but I have to admit fashion is where she's got talent. I love every dress from her collection and if I could afford them, I'd get every design.

I was looking through blogs and other articles and found a lot of disturbing things written about her collection. Some even said that her dress where made to fit anorexic looking women. Well how rude!

So today I was looking through the Grammy pics (as I love to see what everyone wore) and I saw Jennifer Hudson with Victoria Beckham's Spring/Summer 2010 collection. And I think she looked fierce! I also saw Jennifer Lopez and Blake Lively wearing VB's dresses. Proving that VB's collection is for all shapes and sizes. Stop all the hating and just admire the dresses.

It's been so long...

2010-02-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010 everyone...

I cannot believe we're in 2010, it feels weird. Ok so I need to confess that I had totally forgotten about this blog, told you I was bad at keeping diaries. I hope the beginning of this year has been good for all of you. Mine started a little bit bumpy but things seem to be getting into place.

I just want to thank everyone that has taken the time to read my blog, I really appreciate the comments.

So last time I wrote was back in August '09, I was visiting my parents in Mozambique and was about to head back to the USA. Well now I'm back at my parents place (just visiting) and in 2 weeks will be moving to South Africa to continue my studies. I know some of you may be wondering 'why South Africa?' Well, first it's closer to home and second it's cheaper; and third it's a very prestigious university. So I'll be studying at Monash University, an Australian univeristy with campus in South Africa. Quite exciting!!!

Last year I was in the USA and it was tough and lonely at first but my last semester was the best I had. I begin to doubt if I was supposed to leave the US cos I felt at home and I made friends, I was enjoying my life there. But college was so expensive I couldn't afford. I applied for so many scholarships and even being part of the Phi Theta Kappa didn't really work. So I guess it was God's plan. He had something else in store.
I even considered moving to Sweden where they have one university that offer my major in English and tuition is free for everyone. But God closed that door and opened the one is South Africa. I was a little skeptical but now I'm feeling confident.

To get the South Africa student permit was another story. OMG! everyone says how hard it is to get the USA student visa but for me it was the easiest ever. The South African one is so complicated...it was driving me crazy. Luckily last week we were able to get everything sorted out and next Monday I'm suppose to collect my visa. Thank God another battle has been won!

So yeah that's what has been happening in my 2010 so far...

Wonders

2009-08-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

I actually totally forgot about this blog. Not that I think anyone reads this but it's a way of lifting the weight off my shoulders.
I feel like whenever things seem to finally be going well something comes along to knock me down.
I'm currently home visiting my parents and in less than 2 weeks I'll be returning to the USA to continue my studies. But at the same time that I want to continue my studies I do not want to go back. I feel tired and defeated and I know I shouldn't feel this way.
Lord has a bigger plan for me and I know I should trust him and just let go of all anxiety but I can't seem to be able to! I need to find a way... Why is it so hard for me to truly trust you Lord.
There are so many hurdles right now...it seems like every day there's something in the way. Right now I'm going crazy trying to find work and trying to save up for a car. But then I think I have no idea where I'll be next year why start settling where I am now.
God help me...

What If?

2009-03-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

I'm kinda feeling a little homesick today and a little bored so I've been going through some old stuff and reading random things online. I glanced at this message but I didn't pay much notice. Today I actually read it and I started to wonder each question and reflecting my life. If God acted with me the way I act with Him I guess I'll be very disappointed. So I know he's so sad and disappointed with me yet He loves me. I'm so thankful to have Him!

So read this and think about it!

What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?

What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?

What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?

What if God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?

What if God took away his message because we failed to listen to the messenger?

What if God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?

What if the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?

What if God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?

What if God would not hear us today because we would not listen to him yesterday?

What if God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?

What if God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

My Dearest Friend

2009-03-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

I was going through some old things and I found this poem which I love. It reminds me of my friends and growing up.

I thank God everyday
For sending my dearest friend,
You've been there through darkened days
And will be till the end,

You my friend have dried my tears
And helped my heart to mend,
I want to thank you again
For being my dearest friend,

In times of my despair
You've helped me to pull through,
And when I'm feeling better
It is because of you,

There are times when I will fall
And I know that you will too,
We'll be there for each other
And each one will get through,

You have helped me many times
And I know you will again,
I just wanted to thank you
For being my dearest friend.

Love Thy Neighbour

2009-02-15T23:05:00.001-08:00

I'm supposed to be writing a newsjournal for my IR class but can't seem to do it. My newsjournal is about the Congo and I get depressed everytime I read about it. Can you imagine living in a country with such oppression? Not knowing if you'll make it to the next day.
How can so much evil exist? What happened to the whole "love thy neighbour as yourself"
News nowdays is more like a horror film, only tragedies. And people are surprised when you act surprised with the injustices and cruelties going on. Their responses: 'that's normal'
Well it shouldn't be normal. We should be shocked, sad, heartbroken whenever we hear that a child has been murdered by their parents or a bombing has occured wherever.

Why are people angry all the time? I'm not saying that I'm perfect because trust me I'm anything but perfect. But I do try to be better and be different.

I was bored this morning and I'm fascinated with celebrities (don't ask me why) and I was reading JustJared.com and some of the comments the readers make. And wow! there is so much negativity and horrid comments that I didn't even get past the first page. These readers are obsessed, jealous or angry at the celebrities because they have this or that. And that's just sick. Why would you hate or say something about someone you have never met. Just because you saw a miserable picture of them, taken by the none other than the paps, you assume they're miserable. I can't stand that.
Now would you like if someone judged you by your picture?
How would you feel if someone left you nasty comments because they didn't like what you were wearing.
Lets start with the little things. Greet whoever sits by your side on the bus or greet someone at Starbucks. A simple 'hello' can make a big difference in someones life and it won't hurt you to say it.

Lets try and bring compassion and love back into this world.

What now...

2009-02-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

So apparently I will transeferring to another college this fall. For some reason I'm kinda excited because I love moving. But I'm also worried and a little sad. I feel at home where I am right now. But my parents just can't afford this college I'm in right now.
It's all in God's hands and if this is what God has planned for me then I will not question.

I'm currently home alone right now. My roommate went to visit her parents. It's Sunday and I normally go to church but wasn't feeling well so I stayed home. I listened to the online sermon and the message was "Be Subject to One Another". Easier said then done. But why? God did that for us, so why can't we do it for one another. Can a friend call you at 2 a.m. and tell her your problems? Well first they wouldn't be able to reach me because my phone is always off after 11pm. Which is sad. Would you help a friend with a broken car at 3 a.m.? Would you lend them $300 to get their car fixed? Tough isn't it? But that's what means to be subject to one another. It's in the little things as well as the major things.
This will be one of my years goal: Be Subject to One Another. I think I can do it. If I want to and am determined then I will succeed. So why don't you try aswell and tell me how you're doing.

Who am I?

2009-02-02T20:55:00.001-08:00

So I decided to start a blog and try and update often. It will be my kinda diary. We'll see how it goes. I kinda suck when it comes to keeping a diary. I start all right but then I get lazy :(

I thought I'd start by answering with who am I? But I don't really know how to answer that yet. Still figuring out who I am.
And where am I from? Tough! Well I was born in Brazil but I moved to Mozambique, Africa when I was little and grew up there. That's where I say my home is. Well at least was. Now I'm in the US attending college. New experience. So far, so good.

Moved in with a new roommate who is a blessing. My old roommate was...no comment. Just glad we've both got new roommates. My new roommate is a sweetheart. We don't really talk that much but that's cos I just don't talk that much (it's like I have a problem or something). I'm quite shy and quiet so it takes some time...it's tough!
I miss my friends. It feels like I haven't seen them for ages. We have so much catching up to do!

Blah...

2009-02-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Just started my second semester in college. I'm enthusiastic but am feeling unmotivated at the same time. I don't really know what it is. I feel like this sometime. Hopefully it'll go away.

My classes so far are good. I'm taking a dance class which is loads of fun and Intro to International Relations which is so interesting I try not to blink in class cos I don't want to miss a thing. A bit naff I know but who cares. Also have a Spanish class but it's quite boring at the moment because it's beginners Spanish and I know most of the stuff. And I just signed up for Critical thinking skills class. Let's see how that one will go. I'm confident I'll do well. Last semester I had As in all my classes. I was concerned because everyone kept telling me it was hard and you had to work real hard. I suppose some classes are hard but as long as you do all the assignments and don't miss class then you're good to go.

Right now I'm not sure if I'll continue in this college because tuition has gone up and my parents cannot afford it. I'm not gonna lie. There's this side of me that really wants to move some place else and if that means it will save my parents money then great! It's all in God's hands right now.